We are feeling a trifle de trop
The Cluebat of Janeite Righteousness is gathering dust. Everybody else is standing up for Jane, and we have nothing to do.
Alert Janeite Kathleen scanned an article about Becoming Jane from Radio Times in which the author got in a bit of a tiff with the lead actress.
Hathaway’s Jane–a spirited character who feeds the family pigs, plays cricket with the boys and hangs about bare-knuckle fist fights in the company of prostitutes–is perhaps a less credible fictional construct (than) Austen’s own heroines.
“Why do you say she’s a fictional construct?” flares Hathaway. “The character is based on descriptions of Austen in any number of biographies.”
And biographies, of course, are ALWAYS right.
So if we don’t know for sure Austen wasn’t pretty and that she never hung out with prostitutes, all bets are off? It’s an odd kind of Hollywood logic.
As little Justin would say on Ugly Betty, “OH SUH-NAP!” “EJD,” whomsoever you might be, AustenBlog salutes you.
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After having to read far too many interviews in which the cast of ‘Becoming Jane’ blab the most mindless tripe, I really do wish that the entire cast had gagging orders to stop their innane prattle. Maybe McAvoy wouldn’t be dead to me after that Northanger Abbey quip. Perhaps if they just left it at: ‘This is a bit of marshmallowy Made-Up-Story fluff which you could probably watch while eating Jaffa cakes and tea’, I wouldn’t be so peeved. I do adore the journalist’s line on Jane’s looks and hanging out with ladies of ill virtue. Snark!
Although I do agree with Miss Hathaway regarding Jane and dogs. If you don’t like either, come not near me.
Isn’t “any number of biographies” a bit ambiguous? Why can’t some people come up with at least a better turn of phrase?
Besides, there’s no reason to take that comment personally. It has more to say about the writing and direction than the acting. Playing a role doesn’t give you ownership rights.
I also had trouble with the comment that Jane is “totally someone I’d like to have dinner with.” Am I the only articulate person under the age of thirty on this planet?
Correct me if I’m wrong, but didn’t Anne Hathaway say — before promotions got into full swing — that she had been reticent to take on the role until she met Emma Thompson, at which case she said she would do it because she couldn’t think of anything else to say to Ms. Thompson?
I’ve been thinking the film would be much better if they didn’t hail it as a film based on Jane Austen’s life — it does not seem to me to be autobiographical — but as a film inspired by Jane Austen’s life. Or times, I should say.
Ina, I agree, but fear not. I’m under thirty and like to think I use English reasonably well.
Indeed you do, Eve. It’s nice to know I’m not alone in the world.